My Honest Review of Revolut eSIM: Is It Worth It for Travellers in 2025?
So, you’re considering getting a Revolut eSIM, but you want to know if it’s worth it?
Short answer – yes, it’s a convenient option for travellers who need quick, affordable, and flexible data plans.
But it has some limitations you should know about and may not be for every traveller.
Whether it’s the right eSIM for you depends on how much data you’ll need abroad and what you’ll use it for.
I’ve been a Revolut user for over 3 years, and I love most of their products and features.
But in full transparency, I had no idea about their eSIM feature until recently (8 months ago, to be exact).
Imagine my surprise as a seasonal traveller! So, when the opportunity came to scout Portugal for a potential move as a UK resident, I had to give it a try.
Let’s be honest, I don’t know about where you live, but the UK data roaming fees aren’t budget-friendly (hello, any EE mobile network users)!
Since then, I’ve tested Revolut eSIM here in Portugal, and to help you decide if it’s the perfect esim for you, I’m sharing my honest review and personal experience using it here.
I’ll discuss the pros and cons and how to set it up so that you don’t stress about getting local SIM cards or being charged high roaming fees every time you land in a new country.
But first…
Revolut Quick-Connect eSIM
Never Buy a SIM Card Again:
What is Revolut eSIM?
Revolut’s eSIM functions like any other digital SIM card, providing mobile data for your travels without the need for a physical SIM.
But keep in mind, it’s data-only, so you can’t make calls or send texts the normal way. (Apps like WhatsApp or Messenger still work fine!)
The eSIM feature works in over 100 countries, making it ideal for travel to the most popular destinations, like Europe.
And the best part? No additional apps or stores are required; you can set it up directly in the Revolut app.
Simply purchase a plan, activate it, and you’re ready to go.
How to Set Up Revolut’s eSIM (Quick Guide)
Step 1: Open the Revolut app
Setting up your Revolut eSIM is easy and only takes a few minutes.
Just make sure that your phone supports eSIM and that you are connected to Wi-Fi before you begin, as this will facilitate a smooth process.
Start by opening the Revolut app on your phone. Check to see if you have the most recent version and are logged in:
It’s not necessary to sign up for a paid Revolut plan to use the eSIM feature. The feature is already included in the standard free plan.
Step 2. Go to “Hub/Search Bar” > “eSIM”
Tap on the “Hub/search bar” section in the app. Then look/search for “eSIM” and tap it to start setting it up.
Step 3. Choose your region and country
Pick the region or country you’re travelling to. This helps Revolut show you the right data plans.
Step 4. Pick a plan that works for you
You’ll see different data plans with prices and how long they last. Choose the one that fits your trip best.
Step 5. Follow the steps to activate
The app will guide you through the activation process. Simply follow the instructions. Once the process is complete, your eSIM will become active.
Pros and Cons of Revolut eSIM
Pros
If you’re considering testing the Revolut eSIM. Here are some of the best things you’ll love. These features make your trip easier, especially if it’s your first time using an eSIM.
- Easy to set up in the app: You don’t need to go to a store or wait for a SIM card. Just tap a few buttons in the Revolut app, and you’re ready to go
- No roaming charges: You can avoid expensive roaming fees by choosing a local or global data plan. It’s affordable for short trips and a money-saver for sure
- Data-only means no surprises: It’s clear and simple: just mobile data. You won’t get hit with extra charges for texts or calls. By the way, if you are looking for regular phone calls and texts, you might be interested in this update about Revolut’s new mobile plans, which aim to compete with the major phone networks.
- Available in 100+ countries: If you travel a lot to most of the popular travel destinations, like Europe, Asia, or the US, it works in many countries around here. That means stress-free about finding a local SIM when you land.
- Top up anytime: If you find yourself low on data, please feel free to open the app and purchase additional data. It’s quick, even while travelling. Within the app, you also get to download a formal contract summary and terms of the eSIM Data Plan, distributed through the Revolut app.
- No Subscription needed: You pay only for the data you need. There’s no long-term commitment, which is ideal for occasional trips. As long as you’re a Revolut customer, you can access its eSIM feature on a free Standard Revolut plan.
- Works on most phones: If your phone supports eSIM, it should work. You don’t have to take out your standard SIM card
If you’re looking for a flexible and budget-friendly way to stay connected abroad, Revolut’s eSIM could be just what you need.
🤩 Check Data Plan and Country Availability!
Cons
Like with anything, Revolut’s eSIM isn’t perfect. So here are a few things you should know before you decide to test it:
1. Data-only (no calls/texts)
You can’t make regular phone calls or send SMS texts using the Revolut eSIM.
I’m good with just the data, but for some travellers, it may seem limited because you can’t make regular phone calls or send SMS texts with it.
But let’s be real, who sends normal SMS these days, except for business? That’s so 2010! Even my African parents know that we don’t do that anymore.
Pro Tip: Use apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or FaceTime to call or chat, so data is usually all you'll need! If you're lucky, it can be a big win. You don’t pay for things you don’t need, and you still stay connected wherever you go.
Whether it’s checking Google Maps, booking a taxi, or sharing your holiday photos on Instagram, having mobile data keeps things simple.
2. May cost more than local SIMs if you’re staying long
For short trips, Revolut’s eSIM is super handy. But if you’re staying somewhere for weeks or months, a local SIM might give you more data for less.
Tip: Revolut eSIM is great for short trips or as a backup in case you don’t get a local SIM right away. That’s what I intend to do once we settle down in Portugal.
3. Not yet available in every country
Revolut’s eSIM works in many places, but not all, unfortunately. Like with many Western tech products and services, many African countries don’t have access to them.
As far as I know, there isn’t a good reason or way to fix this, which makes me sad as an African. Only 10 African countries can use Revolut’s eSIM function right now.
Tip: If you find that your country isn’t supported, you might need another plan from a different provider in very remote areas or unsupported countries.
4. You need an eSIM-compatible phone
Not all phones support eSIMs, especially older models. Tip: If you have a newer phone (most iPhones and Androids from the last few years), you’re probably good to go
Even with a few downsides, Revolut’s eSIM is still a smart and easy option for many travellers—especially if you like keeping things simple.
My Experience using Revolut eSIM in Portugal
When my partner and I first came to Portugal to scout for a potential move, one of the biggest issues we had was finding a reliable internet connection while out and about.
We still use UK mobile networks, and since the UK is no longer in the EU, free roaming is no longer an option for us. If you’ve ever used EE from the UK, you’ll know those roaming fees can be crazy high!
At first, we tried using a Portuguese eSIM through Vodafone, but honestly, it felt confusing and expensive. At that point, I discovered Revolut’s eSIM, which was truly revolutionary.
Here’s what my experience looked like:
- Why I tried it: We needed fast, reliable data while exploring Portugal and couldn’t keep paying high UK roaming charges. After testing Vodafone and not loving it, Revolut’s eSIM just made more sense
- Easy to set up (with one small tip!): The setup was super simple, but it works best when connected to Wi-Fi before you activate the eSIM. I experienced a problem a few times when the eSIM didn’t activate properly without a Wi-Fi connection. Once I switched to Wi-Fi, it worked just fine.
- Fast and reliable internet: I used it all over Portugal and always had strong 4G. It felt just like using my regular phone plan. Super smooth and quick
- Much cheaper than other options: Compared to Vodafone’s local eSIM plan, Revolut was way more affordable: especially for short-term needs or if you’re just visiting
- Any problems? There was a minor glitch where Wi-Fi needed to be activated. Otherwise, everything worked perfectly
- Final thoughts: Honestly, I was blown away. As someone still using a UK SIM in Europe, this feature saved me money and stress. It’s now my go-to whenever I need mobile data while travelling
So if you’re tired of crazy roaming fees or swapping local SIM cards in a new country, Revolut’s eSIM might just be the easy fix you need.
When is Revolut eSIM Worth It?
Revolut’s eSIM isn’t for everyone, but it’s perfect for some types of travellers. If you fit into one of these groups, it might be just what you need for your next trip:
- Short-term travellers: If you’re going away for a weekend or a quick holiday, Revolut eSIM is great. You can get data right away without needing to find a local SIM
- People visiting multiple countries: If you’re hopping between countries, like doing a European trip, this feature saves time. You won’t need to buy a swap or buy a new sim card every time you land in a new country
- Emergency data users: You might typically use Wi-Fi, but it’s wise to have a backup plan just in case for privacy reasons. Revolut’s eSIM is a smart option to have when things don’t go as planned
It’s made for travellers who want something quick, easy, and ready to go—without stress.
Revolut eSIM vs. Popular Alternatives
If you’re considering using Revolut eSIM, you might also be curious about other options. There are two popular alternatives that many travellers use:
- Airalo is one of the best-known eSIM applications for travellers. It offers local, regional, and global data plans in over 200 countries. The app is easy to use, and the prices are usually lower than most local SIM cards
- Holafly offers unlimited data plans in many countries, which is beneficial if you stream a lot or use your phone often. It is easy to install and ideal for those who desire unlimited data, but it can be more expensive than Revolut and does not always provide the best speed.
FAQs
How good is the Revolut eSIM?
It’s really good for short trips and quick data access. It works smoothly, especially in cities, and setup is easy right from the Revolut app.
Is my phone compatible with eSIM?
Not all phones work with eSIM. Most newer phones, like iPhones (XR and up) and newer Samsung or Google phones, support eSIM. You can check your phone’s settings or ask your provider to be sure.
Can I use Revolut eSIM as my main SIM?
No, Revolut eSIM is data-only, so you can’t use it for calls or texts. It works best as a travel data backup, not your main SIM.
How much data do I need for a week’s travel?
It depends! If you just use maps, emails, and social media, 1–3GB is often enough. But if you stream videos, you may need 5–10GB or more.
Does it work with Currently
As of now, Revolut eSIM only provides 4G speeds in most locations. It’s fast for most needs, like browsing, streaming, and maps.
🤩 Check Prices and Availability!
Final Thoughts: Is Revolut eSIM Worth It in 2025?
If you’re a traveller who wants quick, easy internet while hopping from one country to another, the Revolut eSIM is a great choice.
It’s super easy to set up, works well across many countries, and saves you from hunting down local SIMs. Yes, it’s data-only, and maybe not the cheapest for long trips—but for short getaways or as a backup? It’s a total win.
I’ve used it myself here in Portugal, and I honestly love how smooth it is. There has been no stress or lengthy queues, and I can access instant data directly from my Revolut app.
Are you ready to give it a try?
